VALENTINE AMNESIA

Mitchell and Jenna Brotherson were married on September 4, 2020. But their wedding almost didn’t happen. They can be thankful to a bizarre set of circumstances, which began with a skiing accident. In February 2020, Jenna broke up with Mitchell stating she was “too overwhelmed with life.” The next day while skiing, Mitchell fell and suffered a concussion, which affected his sort-term memory. He forgot Jenna had dumped him the previous day. So he continued to text her as if they were still dating. Jenna wondered, “Why is he messaging me?” She added, “I thought that maybe he took the statement of staying friends really seriously.”

Because Mitchell continued being “kind and thoughtful” to her, Jenna had second thoughts about their breakup. When she asked if they could start dating again, she realized Mitchell had no clue they had even broken up. Five months later, he proposed and five years later, they’re happily married. (Source: NY Post.com)

In some ways, this parallels our love story with Jesus. It’s easy to develop a sort of spiritual amnesia. We forget how deeply Jesus loves us. Perhaps we lose our gratitude for his blessings. Or allow the distractions of the world to slowly creep into our relationship, pulling our affections away from our Divine Lover. Or maybe we listen to Satan’s accusing voice as he whispers, “Do you think God could really love you after all you’ve done?”

Two words forever erase any doubt that each of us are Christ’s true love for eternity: “The Cross.” He gave his life so we could live with him forever. He’d rather die than live without you.

Jesus wants to be our passionate lover. Ephesians 5 speaks of the one-flesh sexual relationship between husband and wife. Then in verse 32 Paul states, “This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.” The depth of passion between husband and wife is a mere shadow of the passion between believers and our bridegroom, that we’ll experience throughout all eternity.  

The Old Testament prophets warn, “You have forgotten God your Savior” (Isaiah 17:10) and “My people have forgotten me” (Jeremiah 18:15). Like Mitchell in our story, something within us inherently wants to remember our Savior, but it’s a spiritual battle at times. One thing is certain. Even if you “break up” with him, Jesus will never, ever, forget you.

Principle:  Jesus will never forget us, even if we forget him.

Ponder:

• When have you developed “spiritual amnesia regarding Jesus’s love for you?

• What practices can you adopt to avoid that happening?

Pursue:  For a deeper dive, study Ephesians 5:22-33.

Dear Jesus, Lover of my soul, forgive me for the times when I develop spiritual amnesia. Continually remind me of your deep passionate love for me.

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